WSOC | Diaz Signs Deal to Play Professional Soccer in Japan

One of the most accomplished players in program history, Hannah Diaz will play professional soccer for Orca Kamogawa FC.

Feb. 6, 2018

KAMOGAWA, Japan -- Former Saint Mary’s striker Hannah Diaz will head to Japan and continue her career, as she will now compete for professional club, Orca Kamogawa FC, it was announced today.

“I am definitely excited for this opportunity to go to a different country for a year and play soccer,” said Diaz. “I don’t think it is going to be anything but beneficial so I am really excited.”

One of the most accomplished players in Saint Mary’s women’s soccer history, Diaz ended her career in Moraga tied for the fourth most goals (24). Diaz also recorded the second most shots in program history (184), third most game-winning goals (10) and third most matches played (79).

“We are very excited for Hannah and her family,” said Saint Mary’s head coach Travis Clarke. “She has worked very hard for this and it gives her the opportunity to travel and see the world while playing the game at a very high level. I am confident she will be very impactful over there and we will be rooting for her everyday here at SMC."

Diaz was a member of the United Soccer Coaches NCAA DI All-West Region Third Team in 2017 and 2016, and All-West Second Team in 2015. She also earned the College Sports Madness WCC Freshman of the Year in 2014.

Along with her all-region accolades, Diaz was named West Coast Conference All-Academic and First Team from 2015-17. The striker also competed for the U-23 U.S. National Team in March 2017.

“My whole family and everyone is really excited about me taking this opportunity,” said Diaz. “Being at Saint Mary’s playing soccer has been fantastic. I think the biggest thing is being in such a small school, you grow so much more and you create relationships with a lot of people who have helped me become a better person and soccer player.”

One of 10 teams in Japan’s Nadeshiko League 2, Orca Kamogawa FC was established in February 2014. Orca Kamogawa FC is centered in Kamogawa, and is named after the orcas in the world-class aquarium Kamogawa Sea World.